Walk This Way

Image credit: IMDb.com

Whenever I hear someone say "right this way" it reminds me of when Marty Feldman asked Gene Wilder to "walk this way" in the Young Frankenstein movie.  If you feel that your gait looks like the one in Young Frankenstein, there are walking form adjustments that can easily be made.  Try a simple walking test and discover ways  to correct the six most common walking form problems.

Walking is the simplest form of physical activity and one of the most enjoyable. Without any special equipment other than a comfortable pair of shoes or sneakers you can walk your way to fitness.  By taking ten minute walking breaks throughout the day and accumulating at least 30 minutes of physical activity, you'll be meeting the basic physical activity recommendation for health (i.e., 150 minutes / week of moderate activity)...

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From strolling to race walking, a cardiovascular challenge is possible for people of all fitness levels:

STROLL
3 mph; 20 minute per mile pace; using a loose arm swing
 
FITNESS WALK
4 mph; 15 minute per mile pace; using an energetic arm swing
 
RACE WALK
5 mph; 12 minute per mile pace; arms are pumping

Depending on your initial fitness level, the average starting pace for healthy walkers is 2.5 - 3.5 mph or, a mile in 24 to 17 minutes. In the beginning of a fitness walking program, concentrate on proper form first and work on increasing speed later.

Put some "PRIDE IN YOUR STRIDE" when you advance from strolling to race walking by remembering to walk like a STAR:

S - Shoulders relaxed, down and back
T - Tall posture; head erect and eyes forward
A - Arms swinging with purpose, elbows bent at right angles
R - Roll foot in a Heel - Toe - Push pattern

(Image credit: MayoClinic.com)

Be Well,
Mary

P.S.  Please ignore the text box below; your comments are always welcome here.